Mary Allen
Introduction: Can Diamond Watchman Gobies be kept with invertebrates?
Are you considering adding a Diamond Watchman Goby to your aquarium but wondering if you can keep it with your beloved invertebrates like shrimp or crabs? The answer is yes, with some precautions. In this article, we will explore the compatibility of Diamond Watchman Gobies with invertebrates and share some tips on how to keep them together.
Meet the Diamond Watchman Goby
The Diamond Watchman Goby, also known as the Pretty Prawn Goby, is a beautiful and popular saltwater fish. It has a unique appearance with a diamond-shaped pattern on its body and a long, slender body. These gobies are known for their intelligent behavior and their ability to dig burrows in the sand, which makes them great additions to a reef or sand-bottomed aquarium.
Compatibility with Invertebrates
Diamond Watchman Gobies are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of invertebrates. However, there are some things to consider before adding them to a tank with shrimp or crabs. These gobies can sometimes mistake small invertebrates for food, so it’s important to choose compatible tank mates that are not too small or slow-moving. Additionally, some crabs can be aggressive and may harm the goby, so it’s important to choose the right species of crab and monitor their behavior.
Keeping Diamond Watchman Gobies with Shrimp
Diamond Watchman Gobies can be kept with shrimp as long as they are not too small or slow-moving. Larger shrimp like Cleaner Shrimp or Peppermint Shrimp can be good tank mates for a goby. However, smaller shrimp like Ghost Shrimp may be seen as food and may not survive in the same tank. It’s important to keep an eye on the goby’s behavior and make sure it’s not harassing the shrimp.
Keeping Diamond Watchman Gobies with Crabs
Choosing the right species of crab is important when keeping them with Diamond Watchman Gobies. Crabs like Emerald Crabs or Sally Lightfoot Crabs can be good tank mates as they are not usually aggressive towards fish. However, some species of crabs like Arrow Crabs or Porcelain Crabs can be more aggressive and may harm the goby. It’s best to research the specific species of crab and monitor their behavior before adding them to the same tank.
Cautions and Considerations
It’s important to note that Diamond Watchman Gobies are known to be jumpers, so it’s important to have a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium to prevent them from escaping. Additionally, these gobies are known to dig burrows in the sand, so it’s important to have a substrate that won’t collapse on them and cause harm. Sand or crushed coral can be good choices.
Conclusion: Keeping Diamond Watchman Gobies with Invertebrates
In conclusion, Diamond Watchman Gobies can be kept with a variety of invertebrates with some considerations. Choosing compatible tank mates and monitoring their behavior is important to ensure a peaceful and successful tank. With proper care and attention, these gobies can be a beautiful and fascinating addition to your aquarium.
Resources for Further Learning
If you’re interested in learning more about Diamond Watchman Gobies or saltwater aquarium care in general, there are many helpful resources available. Some popular websites include Reef2Rainforest, ReefCentral, and Marine Depot. Additionally, there are many books available on the topic, such as "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta and "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. Happy fishkeeping!